I thought of starting a thread with some teachings on the difference between the two major Buddhist traditions.

There was some discussions recently and rather than rehash this old saw, I thought it might be more informative to have some resources to refer people to when they ask. I hope mods allow some controversial teachings here that may not be altogether favourable to show a spectrum of views.

I know Ajahn Buddhadasa has said quite a lot on the subject but I couldn't find anything online. If anyone would like to contribute other materials, that would be great. Otherwise I can add to it from time to time.

Last edited by Dan74 on Mon Oct 07, 2013 12:08 am, edited 1 time in total.

Like what? ....teachings speaking about the "lesser" vehicle "Hinayana" and your own "greater" vehicle Mahayana ?

....that may not be altogether favourable to show a spectrum of views

Not altogether favourable to whom ? Theravadins ?

I don't really understand what you mean, sorry.

I also don't mean to be rude - but I think one persons opinion of a good or bad teacher or an interesting teaching may not be someone elses, so who's to say that any videos and essays posted in this thread are beneficial as 'resources' anyway ?

.

Last edited by Aloka on Sun Oct 06, 2013 9:43 pm, edited 4 times in total.

I have studied Mahayana for many years and the more I study it, the more I find there is hardly any difference between Theravada and Mahayana with regard to the fundamental teachings.

Both accept Sakyamuni Buddha as the Teacher. The Four Noble Truths are exactly the same in both schools. The Eightfold Path is exactly the same in both schools. The Paticca-samuppada or the Dependent Origination is the same in both schools. Both rejected the idea of a supreme being who created and governed this world. Both accept Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta and Sila, Samadhi, Panna without any difference.

These are the most important teachings of the Buddha and they are all accepted by both schools without question.

"When you meditate, don't send your mind outside. Don't fasten onto any knowledge at all. Whatever knowledge you've gained from books or teachers, don't bring it in to complicate things. Cut away all preoccupations, and then as you meditate let all your knowledge come from what's going on in the mind. When the mind is quiet, you'll know it for yourself. But you have to keep meditating a lot. When the time comes for things to develop, they'll develop on their own. Whatever you know, have it come from your own mind.http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai ... eleft.html

Dan74 wrote:Aloka, this thread is not meant to be about contention but just providing different resources. If you have something from a teacher you like on the subject, please share.

Morlock, thanks! But I've already linked that one.

oh ok. duh

"When you meditate, don't send your mind outside. Don't fasten onto any knowledge at all. Whatever knowledge you've gained from books or teachers, don't bring it in to complicate things. Cut away all preoccupations, and then as you meditate let all your knowledge come from what's going on in the mind. When the mind is quiet, you'll know it for yourself. But you have to keep meditating a lot. When the time comes for things to develop, they'll develop on their own. Whatever you know, have it come from your own mind.http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai ... eleft.html

The heart of the path is SO simple. No need for long explanations. Give up clinging to love and hate, just rest with things as they are. That is all I do in my own practice. Do not try to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not become enlightened. When you sit, let it be. When you walk, let it be. Grasp at nothing. Resist nothing. Of course, there are dozens of meditation techniques to develop samadhi and many kinds of vipassana. But it all comes back to this - just let it all be. Step over here where it is cool, out of the battle. - Ajahn Chah